Side by side
WaveFunctionCollapse vs Ymir
Both stand on game map generators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
WaveFunctionCollapse offers pattern-based bitmap generation, with tilemap, constraint, and higher-dimensional options. Keep in mind that generation can reach a contradiction, and the release page directs Linux and macOS users to source in the repository.
Visit WaveFunctionCollapse Free plan LinuxWindows
Ymir brings procedural terrain generation, erosion tools and command-line exports into a node-based workflow. Check the GPU requirements and Windows warning before installing, and note that the maker describes more tutorial material as forthcoming.
Visit YmirThe facts
| WaveFunctionCollapse | Ymir | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Linux, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | liminalfield.github.io |
| On game map generators | #11 of 27 | #15 of 27 |
WaveFunctionCollapse: what it does well
- Free software under the MIT License.
- Can generate from sample patterns or tile adjacency data.
- Supports constraints and optional rotations and reflections.
- Adaptations are listed for Unity, Unreal Engine 5, Godot 4, and Houdini.
- Browser version and PNG and TXT exports are listed.
What to know first
- Generation can stop at a contradiction without output.
- README says it is less suited to large full-color textures.
- Bundled release source uses a Windows-only System.Drawing library.
Ymir: what it does well
- Exports PNG, R16 and OpenEXR heightmaps.
- Erosion can produce flow, wear and deposition layers.
- CLI can build projects and export results.
- Reusable node networks can be saved as subgraphs.
What to know first
- Editor requires a working Vulkan-capable GPU on Linux.
- Windows requires Vulkan or DX12 drivers.
- Windows binaries trigger a first-run SmartScreen warning.
- Guided tutorial and how-to guides are still forthcoming.
Alternatives to WaveFunctionCollapse Alternatives to Ymir The whole list